Tiger Woods responds to Sergio Garcia's fried chicken remark

(USA TODAY) -- Tiger Woods responded to Sergio Garcia's controversial "fried chicken" remark on Wednesday in a succession of tweets that called the racist joke "hurtful" and attempted to end the public feud that began at the Players Championship.

The tweets were in reference to a response Garcia gave when asked by Steve Sands of the Golf Channel, in jest, if he would be inviting Woods over for dinner during the U.S. Open.

"We will have him 'round every night," García said at the European Tour awards dinner Tuesday night in England. "We will serve fried chicken."

The quote soon went viral and Garcia issued an apology that night through the European Tour, saying the comment was not meant "in a racist manner."

On Wednesday, Garcia apologized again at a press conference following his round at the BMW PGA Championship.

"My answer was totally stupid and out of place," he said. "I feel sick about it."

He apologized multiple times to golf officials, the public and Woods himself.

"Obviously, finally, most importantly, I want to apologize to Tiger and anyone I could have offended by the comment I made. I just want to say I feel sick about it, and I'm truly, truly sorry," Garcia said. "I hope we can move on."

He maintained that he was trying to be funny with the joke and that any racist meanings were unintentional.

"I tried to give a funny answer," he said. "Unfortunately, I said it. I wish I didn't do it. The only thing I can do is say I'm sorry."

Garcia said he also apologized to PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem and George O'Grady, the chief executive for the European Tour. There will be no disciplinary measures from either tour.

PGA Tour vice president Ty Votaw said the Tour will not comment on the matter.

Garcia said he wants to call Woods to personally apologize but doesn't have his phone number.

The Spanish golfer said he considered pulling out of this week's tournament, because his mind isn't in the "greatest place."

"As soon as I left the dinner, I started getting a sick feeling on my body. I really didn't's sleep at all last night," he said. "I felt like my heart was going to come out of my body."